Bryan Adams Reveals Wild Story Behind His ‘First Real Six-String’ and How It Involved a Fatal Plane Crash and a Long-Awaited Reunion

Bryan Adams Unveils the Fascinating Tale Behind His Iconic ‘First Real Six-String’

Renowned musician Bryan Adams recently revealed an intriguing story about the origins of his first guitar, famously referenced in his hit song “Summer of ’69”. In a podcast interview on I Never Thought It Would Happen, hosted by Chris Difford of Squeeze, Adams shared that contrary to the lyrics in his song, he actually acquired his first guitar during a visit to his uncle in Reading at the age of 12. He recounted, “[I] told him that I wanted to buy an electric guitar, and he took me down to the music shop in Reading and I still have that electric guitar.”

While the lyrics of “Summer of ’69” suggest a nostalgic tale of buying a guitar at a local Five and Dime, Adams’ real-life story took a more unexpected turn. Having been gifted the guitar during his childhood in Reading, Adams ended up parting with it when his family moved to different locations due to his father’s work at the Canadian Embassy. Regretting giving away the instrument, Adams eventually received a surprising email years later from someone claiming to have his original guitar from 1970.

The journey to reclaim his cherished guitar took a twist when a stranger approached Adams in a Berlin club, revealing that he possessed the instrument. The man explained that a mutual friend, who had tragically passed away in a plane crash, had entrusted him with returning the guitar to Adams. Despite the unconventional route, Adams was reunited with his treasured guitar laden with sentimental value. Although he attempted to play it, Adams noted that modifications to the instrument had altered its original sound.

Contrary to popular belief, Adams’ co-writer Jim Vallance also clarified that the lyrics of “Summer of ’69” held no autobiographical significance for him. Vallance received his first guitar as a Christmas gift from his parents in 1965, highlighting that the song was crafted more as a coming-of-age narrative set in the late 1960s. In a candid revelation in 2008, Adams hinted that the song’s title had a risqué connotation, alluding to intimate moments during the summer season rather than a literal reference to the year.

The poignant tale behind Adams’ ‘first real six-string’ adds a layer of depth to the iconic song, resonating with fans who now grasp the sentimental attachment behind the lyrics. The unexpected twists and turns in reuniting with his beloved guitar serve as a testament to the enduring connection between a musician and their instrument. As Adams continues to captivate audiences with his music, this glimpse into his personal history shines a light on the profound influences that shape an artist’s creative journey.

As fans eagerly anticipate more musical revelations from Bryan Adams, the story behind his cherished guitar serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of childhood passions and the enduring power of music to transcend time and space. With each strum of his guitar, Adams not only shares melodies but also unwraps layers of personal memories and heartfelt connections that enrich his artistry. Amidst the glitz and glamour of the music industry, stories like these remind us of the humble beginnings and cherished treasures that lie at the core of every artist’s soul.